Talent, smart and sustainable – these three keywords are some of the pillars of the newly launched programme of FINAT’s European Label Forum 2019. Taking place from June 5 to 7 in Copenhagen, Denmark, this year’s ‘ELF’ will discuss the most relevant key challenges for today’s label and narrow web packaging industry and show different ways to understand its customers. New features like ‘Converter-only roundtables’ complement the programme of the annual label event.

In addition to providing the latest market data on labels and packaging there will be a number of speakers debating a wide range of topics at the three-day event – on and off-stage. The European Label Forum provides a platform for all members within the labelling value chain to discuss the most relevant market trends and developments.

“Changing the way we understand our customers” – this is what Hamish Tailor, a renowned expert on leadership, innovation and branding, will be talking about in his keynote presentation. He will explain that looking outside our current environment will enable a breakthrough and he will describe how he earned his title as “master thief”.

A further topic will be the changing retail landscape. The paradigm of New (online) Retail is transforming the traditional retail world and opens up the possibility for new business models. The global trend watcher Wijnand Jongen, author and founder of the e-commerce association Thuiswinkel.org, will talk about what this transition of retail means for its value chain and how suppliers such as label and package printing companies could become “enablers” of new business models.

The closing keynote speaker this year will be Fredrik Härén, discussing business, creativity, change and global business. He is the author of several books, including “The Idea Book”. After explaining his definition of an idea, Fredrik will inspire the audience in Copenhagen and suggest how to turn knowledge and information into concrete new business value.

What keeps label company owners and managers awake at night? Introducing a new feature FINAT is further inviting label manufacturing companies to its so-called Converter-only roundtables on Wednesday June 5, preceding the official welcome. For the first time topics which are strategic to the future of the European label and narrow-web packaging industry will be discussed in this format. Participants will rotate between four to six tables during half-hour-sessions.

The three key topics of the European Label Forum 2019 - talent development, ‘smart’ technology and sustainable innovations – will be the thread connecting the 2x3 parallel breakout sessions on Thursday afternoon 6 June. They are also the three categories of the new #LABELicious competition. Launched by FINAT and its partners on the occasion of FINAT’s 60th anniversary year, the aim of the competition is to connect with creative and enthusiastic industry talent. More details about the challenge for young and future professionals in Europe, aged between 18 and 25, can be found on the respective website: https://www.labelicious.eu/

As always, the conference will have its thrilling opening night with the FINAT Label Awards Ceremony which promises again to be a real ‘Oscar’ experience. Showcasing the best of self-adhesive label printing and narrow web manufacturing, the 2019’ competition is still accepting entries till March 15. FINAT will also be honouring the winners of the 2019 Recycling & Sustainability Competition, which runs till May 12.

The European Label Forum takes place from June 5 to 7 at the Scandic Copenhagen Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark and is hosted by FINAT. Its programme extends over three days and offers a unique source of knowledge, experience and networking key to the strategic success of label businesses. For full details of the programme of the European Label Forum 2019, its speakers and learning sessions, and how to register please visit the respective website: www.europeanlabelforum.com